KUCHING: Newly-elected Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Datuk Len Talif Salleh said leadership transition is crucial to keeping the party strong and relevant.
He noted that the election results reflected a balanced leadership structure, with two vice presidents from Kuching and two from the central region.
However, he stressed that their service extends to the entire state, ensuring that PBB remains a strong and unified party.
“To remain relevant, there must be a well-structured and orderly transition of power. As the Malay proverb says, ‘patah tumbuh, hilang berganti’ (when one falls, another rises to take its place).
“This transition marks an important phase as leadership shifts from those above 70 to a younger generation.
“A well-organised transition is key to maintaining stability, and PBB has successfully upheld this practice for years,” he said, adding that smooth succession is crucial to avoid the fate of parties that have lost power due to leadership stagnation.
The Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister commended the orderly electoral process, which was completed in under two hours, as a testament to PBB’s commitment to discipline and structure.
He expressed hope that this culture of smooth transitions would continue at all party levels, from the grassroots to its leadership.
Addressing development concerns, he stressed the need for party members to understand project delays, particularly in critical areas like water and electricity supply.
As a former civil servant with over 30 years of experience, he explained that procedural requirements often prolong project implementation.
“While Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has ensured that funding is no longer an issue, the challenge now lies in our capacity to implement projects.
“We also face external constraints, such as raw material shortages, which are beyond our control,” he said.
The Kuala Rajang assemblyman assured that he would continue using his platform to educate party members on these challenges, saying that structured planning and execution are necessary to ensure sustainable development for Sarawak.
While Len focused on leadership transition, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, who retained his vice president position, stressed the importance of diverse knowledge in advancing Sarawak’s development.
He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the delegates, saying he is committed to serving the party and the people of Sarawak.
“PBB is a party deeply rooted in rural areas, and I believe the trust given by my fellow PBB members across Sarawak represents the voice of the people, especially those from rural areas.
“As someone who was born and raised in rural areas, and now represents a rural state constituency, particularly in coastal regions, I will carry out my duties as expected, especially in my role at the Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunication of Sarawak,” he said.
The Sebuyau assemblyman highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in achieving the state’s development goals.
He stressed that this initiative, part of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, would be pivotal to driving economic growth.
“Our work in the Ministry involves accelerating the digital transformation, and this includes expanding telecommunication infrastructure across Sarawak,” he added.
“To remain relevant, there must be a well-structured and orderly transition of power. As the Malay proverb says, ‘patah tumbuh, hilang berganti’ (when one falls, another rises to take its place).
As such, Julaihi reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that rural areas benefit from these developments, bringing digital connectivity and economic opportunities to previously underserved communities.
